What are your chances of getting a job?

The Romanian economy is seeing a slow but steady recovery following the global economic crisis but is still susceptible to shocks. With the increase in multinational firms operating in Romania, graduate jobs are available in cities such as Bucharest for graduates with language skills. There's a demand for fluency in certain languages including English, French and German, although speaking the local language is important for a normal life. High-level IT skills are also sought after. Graduates with specialist skills and experience are most likely to succeed in the job market.

What’s it like working in Romania?

Average working hours: 8 per day and 40 per week. The working week cannot exceed 48 hours, including overtime, consistent with the EU working time directive.

Holidays: a minimum of 20 days paid annual leave, plus 12 public holidays.

Tax rates: the flat income tax rate is 16%. Employees also pay a contribution towards the social, health and employment security system. Don't forget to check your UK tax and National Insurance position with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to ensure that you are not losing any UK pension rights.

It’s possible to apply for jobs when you arrive in Romania. However, due to high competition you may want to secure a job before you go.

The application and interview processes in Romania are similar to those used in the UK. A CV and covering letter is the norm, although some multinational companies may use application forms.

Make sure you check the language requirements for the job. If the employer wants someone who speaks Romanian, your application should be in Romanian. Only apply in English if it’s an accepted language for the job. For jobs with language requirements, you may need two CVs – one in Romanian and one in the language needed for the job.

Many companies, especially larger ones, will conduct two interviews. The first will typically be with an HR manager and will be followed by another with the line/company manager. In some cases, interviews are followed by psychometric and other tests. When attending an interview, you may need to bring documents such as a transcript of your A-level and degree certificates.

In some cases, for example if you're looking for temporary work in rural areas, it may be best to contact the employer direct.

Erasmus+

Erasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport for 2014-2020 and covers student exchange, work experience and volunteering opportunities. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students can study abroad for 3 to 12 months. Erasmus+ also provides opportunities for work experience for students to learn new skills or languages, as well as volunteering in different countries for between 2 weeks and 12 months.

Work placements and internships

Europlacement provides details of placements and internships in Europe, including Romania.

Some large international companies offer internships and placements. Check individual websites for information.

Exchange programmes

The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) provides students on technical degrees (primarily science, engineering, technology and the applied arts) with paid course-related training in a range of countries, including Italy. Opportunities are available to students in their second year of study or above. Although the majority of traineeships take place over the summer, longer periods are also available.

Teaching schemes

Opportunities exist to teach English in Romania in state, private and international schools or with Romanian and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs). You'll usually need a degree and a recognised TEFL or teaching qualification. For opportunities to teach English with the British Council, you must have a recognised Cambridge CELTA or Trinity Cert TESOL qualification and at least two years’ experience teaching English to groups of students after initial training.

Casual work

You are more likely to find a job in a large multinational company or volunteer agency that will have fixed terms of employment. However, you can search for casual opportunities via recruitment agencies and in job vacancy sections of newspapers. If available, they are likely to be in bars and restaurants, shops, childcare or cleaning and may involve seasonal work.

Gap year and volunteering opportunities

There are opportunities to volunteer in Romania, with some being specifically designed for gap years. Activities involve working with children and communities.

Do you need a visa?

Citizens from the EU, EEA and Switzerland do not require a visa to enter Romania and are able to stay in the country for a period of up to three months.

If you wish to stay for longer than this period of time or want to work, you need to apply for a registration certificate, valid for up to five years, issued by the General Inspectorate for Immigration. If you're intending to work you'll need to present an employment contract or certificate from your employer in order to get the registration certificate, along with your passport and application form. A separate work visa is not required. You can also register as self-employed.

If you're from a non-EU country you should contact the Romanian embassy in the country where you're currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you're living in the UK, go to the Embassy of Romania.

How do you become a permanent resident?

Citizens from the EU, EEA and Switzerland who have been living in Romania for a continuous and legal period exceeding five years can apply for a permanent residency certificate from the General Inspectorate for Immigration. You will usually need (along with your application form) your passport and registration certificate and proof that you have lived continuously in Romania for a five-year period. The permanent residence card is valid for ten years.

Cost of living: varies depending on the region and whether you're living in an urban or rural setting. The cost of living is considerably lower than in the UK. The larger cities, such as Bucharest, are more expensive, but are still generally cheaper than in the UK. Rent prices are lower than in the UK, although wages are also lower.

Internet domain: .ro

Currency: Leu (RON)

Health: UK citizens should get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as this entitles you to state-provided medical treatment on the same terms as a Romanian national. Medical insurance is still required on top of this as ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment is not covered by the EHIC.

Type of government: parliamentay republic.

Laws and customs: money should only be changed in the official bureaux de change. It's illegal to exchange money on the street. Drug-related or sex offences are treated seriously and could result in a prison sentence. Homosexuality is not illegal but open displays of affection by same-sex couples are rare. Taking photographs at or of airports and army bases is forbidden. Permission should be asked when taking pictures of official buildings or police cars.

Emergency numbers: The European emergency number is 112 for anywhere in the EU. UK citizens can get a range of services from the British Embassy Romania.

People: the majority are Romanian with a small percentage of Hungarian and Roma.

Major religion: Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

Important!

Our information and advice on job hunting, further study and visas remains current in the wake of the result of the UK referendum on membership of the European Union, and will be reviewed in the light of future developments.